A Legendary Supermodel on How We Can All Embrace Sustainable Fashion

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Iconic model Helena Christensen (you may recognise her as an infamous Victoria’s Secret Angel) has just paired up with Danish designer Camilla Stærk and Pared Eyewear to create a cool collection of oversize sunglasses. As much as we love the collaboration itself, we can’t help but be inspired by the woman behind the collection.

When she’s not busy surprising us on the runways or teaching us how to wear flip flops, the supermodel is a shining example of practising sustainable fashion. To get the inside scoop on the collaboration, and a few tips about how we can be more sustainable too, we sat down with Christensen for her insight.

As far as the collaboration is concerned, Christensen’s favourite part of the process was watching the project come to fruition. “You have an idea in your head at first… next thing, they’re actually in front of you.” In addition, the supermodel noted that there was something special about the international aspect of the project. According to her, “ it was really cool to work with someone all the way across the world… there was something beautiful about that.”

As a supermodel, Christensen has had to work internationally throughout her career—definitely a perk of the job. But, that doesn’t mean the fashion industry is all glamour. One topic that’s particularly important to Christensen is one that the fashion industry is notoriously iffy about: The environment. “ I think when you're in the business you don’t notice the changes as much”, Christensen shares.

However, with the ability to observe from the outside now, she has faith that sustainable practices are becoming more widespread: “I think one of the great things that has changed is the responsibility that big companies now have to have an ethical approach… it’s about time everyone realises what an impact they will have make.”

And by everyone, Christensen means not just every brand, but each individual. While it’s easy to point fingers and blame huge companies for the damage that the fashion industry has done, it’s essential that we all pull our weight in being a part of the solution. For the model, this means re-selling her old clothes and trying to avoid buying things that are brand new.

“My mother has a secondhand store where all my clothes go… It’s called Yoyo Private Sale”, Christensen told us. As if we needed another reason to shop secondhand, the prospect of buying the supermodel’s old garments has definitely convinced us. On top of selling what she doesn’t use, Christensen also makes sure to shop secondhand herself: “80% of my clothes are secondhand or vintage. The clothes that I don’t give to my mum go to charity. I hardly ever buy anything new. Old pairs of shoes, old bags, they look so beautiful.”

Though it may seem like an enormous feat to try and solve the environmental problems we’ve perpetuated through fashion, Christensen is leading by example, proving that it doesn’t have to be difficult. Something as simple as shopping secondhand or donating old clothes really can make a difference.

Not to mention, re-selling your unworn garments can give you a little extra pocket change. Perhaps if you save up enough, you can even splurge on a pair of sunnies from the collaboration to bring it all full-circle. Keep scrolling to see our favourite options below; good luck choosing just one.

Related: We Just Discovered the Cutest Retro Sunglasses From Byron Bay